London Fire Brigade reports that an elderly woman is in hospital after a gas explosion caused three buildings to collapse and damaged a further two in Hounslow, south-west London.

Three houses have collapsed and two others have been damaged following a gas explosion on Bath Road in Hounslow. Three people escaped from the properties before firefighters arrived and an elderly woman has been taken to hospital by London Ambulance.

Urban search and rescue crews are working to make the structure safe and ensure any fires are put out. Twelve people were evacuated from surrounding properties as a precaution. Crews have rescued a dog from one of the houses.

Six fire engines are at the scene with a number of specialist vehicles.